Short Form 1 was developed to teach a beginner how to retreat from an opponent while taking advantage of the free space around him. Environmental consideration is important because it determines what one can or cannot do. In Short Form 1, it is assumed that the environment favors the practitioner who is allowed freedom to move about.

Although Short Form 1 is the first form taught, historically this is not the oldest form. To determine the first form created consider that all numbered forms are done on both sides, except for one.

Short Form 1 (right side only) Contains

Moves that are strictly defensive

Basic stances:

attention

training horse

neutral bow

Basic blocks:

hammering inward

vertical outward

upward

downward

inside downward (palm up)

Double blocks (double factor)

high

low

A rear elbow strike (or block) while blocking

Four basic angle changes (front, two sides, rear).

Ten moves including the salutation & close

Short Form 1 (right side only) Teaches:

To maintain an erect posture.

To remain down while in your stance (keep knees flexible).

To change stances without elevating the head (maintain a constant level when moving).

To increase peripheral vision.

To always look at your opponent.

To never expose your back unnecessarily.

How to cover in a neutral bow.

How to retreat or move away from your opponent when turning to face the unknown; teaching one that distance can become an ally.

Basic timing and synchronization of hands and feet.

How to block when retreating; opposite hand, opposite foot.

To relax and tense at the proper moment

Angle changes in preparation for a mass attack.

How to use the opposite arm, from that of the blocking hand, as a hidden weapon if and when needed.

How to move up and down in an “L” shaped pattern.

Repetition of the four basic blocks while retreating.

To have your block make contact at a distance from you so that your opponent’s punch is diverted greatly when nearing your face.

Crisp moves, snap and torque.

Short Form 1 (right side) Step by Step

Opening Salutation & begin in a meditative horse stance

Section 1 – Inward Blocks (2 moves)

Side A

Slide your left foot toward 6:00 to form a right neutral bow stance facing 12:00.

Deliver a right hammering inward block.

Deliver a left rear elbow strike.

Side B

Slide your right foot toward 6:00 to form a left neutral bow stance facing 12:00.

Deliver a left thrusting inward block.

Deliver a right rear elbow strike.

Section 2 – Outward Blocks (2 moves)

Side A

Slide your right foot toward 3:00 and pivot counterclockwise to form a left neutral bow stance facing 9:00.

Deliver a right minor inward block.

Deliver a left vertical outward block as you settle into your stance.

Deliver a right rear elbow strike as you settle into your stance.

Side B

Slide your left foot toward 3:00 to form a right neutral bow stance facing 9:00.

Deliver a left minor inward block.

Deliver a right vertical outward block as you settle into your stance.

Deliver a left rear elbow strike as you settle into your stance.

Section 3 – Upward Blocks (2 moves)

Side A

Make a slight adjustment (small step) by sliding your right foot towards 7:00 (cover to 3:00) and pivot counterclockwise to face 3:00 in a left neutral bow stance.

Deliver a right minor inward block.

Deliver a left upward block as you settle into your stance.

Deliver a right rear elbow strike as you settle into your stance.

Side B

Slide your left foot toward 9:00 to form a right neutral bow stance facing 3:00.

Deliver a left hammering inward block.

Deliver a right upward block as you settle into your stance.

Deliver a left rear elbow strike as you settle into your stance.

Section 4 – Upward Blocks (2 moves)

Side A

Slide your left foot towards 12:00 and pivot clockwise to face 6:00 in a right neutral bow stance.

Deliver a left minor inward downward palm up block.

Deliver a right outward downward block as you settle into your stance.

Deliver a left rear elbow strike as you settle into your stance.

Side B

Slide your right foot toward 12:00 to form a left neutral bow stance facing 6:00.

Deliver a right minor inward downward palm up block.

Deliver a left outward downward block as you settle into your stance.

Deliver a right rear elbow strike as you settle into your stance.

Section 5 – Closing Salutation (1 move)

Slide your left foot toward 12:00 to form a horse stance.

Cover your right clenched fist with your left open hand.

Closing Salutation (1 move)

Close your meditative horse stance

Execute the Salutation

Short Form 1 Notes

Practice both sides of the form

Try it in different environments: a smooth floor, on sand, in the dark, in the bathroom, wearing different types of clothing, etc…

Practice with attackers with weapons, learn to first block on the outside of their weapons. Repeat the form while blocking on the inside of their weapons.

List some of the benefits of covering.

Note the advantage of maintaining a consistent head level while moving.

Your back elbow strikes should be directed to the rear.

Practice the form being conscious of what it is teaching you.

List some of the ways the form helps you to improve your freestyle.

List some of the ways it improves your fighting.

Note the two basic covers in Short Form #1: rear cover and side cover.

Practice your blocks utilizing the DOUBLE FACTOR.

Study the possibilities of executing your inward blocks on the first two moves of the form.